In light of my recent column about supporting restaurants we want to stay around, I nipped in for another taste of Darren Templeman’s good cooking. It’s pure folly to imagine his three-course Mid Week Special ($70/head) is a pared back affair. It includes all the trimmings from amuse bouche to pre-dessert, so settle in for a luxurious, midweek ride. Gagging for some Thirlmere Goose ($24) before Xmas climes makes it less appealing, I’m surprised to report it was actually his achingly tender Tasmanian Abalone with House-Smoked Pork Jowl, Enoki, Korean Master Soy and Nasturtium Leaves ($24) that rocked my world. Darren demonstrates his mastery of flavours in this intricate dance of sea and smoky swine; nothing is out of place. You’d do well to follow it with a fleshy plate of Grimaud Duckling ($36) glazed in caramel and Szechuan pepper. Considering chef’s generosity, sides here can push you over the edge. Death by Pomme Aligot ($12) mash with Comté and caramelised onion is perfectly fine by me. Since we’ve gone all La Grande Bouffe, swill a bottle Orange’s surprising 2008 Bloodwood Shiraz ($59) before dessert. The Souffle’s ($15) the signature for a reason, but I’d return (again) to dabble in the surprisingly salty Chocolate and Olive Oil Délice ($15).

Restaurant Atelier
22 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
Ph: (02) 9566 2112 www.restaurantatelier.com.au
Modern European/French  $$$$ 

Cake Picnic CakeCon, a community-led event celebrating cake lovers and home bakers is making its national debut in Sydney, giving locals a chance to bring a cake to share, swap tips, and show off their creativity. 

CakeCon was influenced by cake picnics trends as seen in big cities such as, LA, London, New York, with the concept finally being brought to Sydney. 

“CakeCon is our love letter to home bakers – a fun, inclusive picnic where creativity, community and cake all take centre stage,” said organiser Joan Caballero.

In creating CakeCon, Caballero wants to celebrate Sydney’s big baking community, and hopes to foster “a space where cakes don’t just sit prettily on tables, but bring people together in celebration.”

From being the “cake person” in her circles, with a growing passion for baking cakes passed from her mom to her three daughters, Caballero sees baking as her way of celebrating the people she loves.

Each ticket holder must bring a cake, and will receive a pizza box to fill up with as much cake as they can physically fit, before voting for their favourite.

Two celebrity chefs, Darren Purchese and Rachel Khoo, will be there to judge the cakes based on flavours and looks and are ready to hand out some prizes to the best in show.

Organiser hopes “feel good” event expands across country

CakeCon is not just for cake bakers, it’s also for cake enjoyers because, with organisers allowing those who are culinarily challenged to store-bought cakes, as long as they include allergen info and nutrition labels.

“We wanted a feel good city picnic where everyone brings a cake and leaves with ideas, new friends, and a phone full of photos.” Caballero said.

Tickets are selling fast with more than 130 tickets purchased already- which means more than 130 cakes! 

As this is a cake picnic concept, CakeCon will happen in an outdoor area that is perfect for picnics so BYO picnic blanket and non-alcoholic drinks as it is also a family-friendly event.

With Sydney debuting as the first city to host CakeCon, Caballero hopes to expand the event across Australia, with an event lined up for Melbourne if the launch proves successful.

Purchase your CakeCon tickets here.

Date: Sunday, 28 September 2025

Venue: Centennial Homestead, Centennial Park